Every August 22, pet parents around the US are reminded – it’s time to make the trek to the vet for their cat’s much-needed annual checkup. Unless you’ve been graced with a cat who enjoys this process – hey, it does happen! – it can be a stressful event for everyone involved. However, while it… Read More

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus (meaning it affects the DNA) that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted through infected cat saliva, urine, feces, bite wounds, milk or nasal secretions. Kittens are much more susceptible to FeLV infection than adult cats are, and therefore are at the greatest risk of infection if exposed. Transmission… Read More

Last updated March 23, 2020. Ear infections: painful when you’re a kid, annoying when you’re an adult, and dangerous for your pets. Both dogs and cats can be affected by ear infections, but it is a more common problem for dogs. There are three levels of ear infections, depending on the part of the ear… Read More

Cats are notorious for their fickle nature; affection is only on their terms. It can be difficult to detect when your pet is sick, as many initial symptoms are subtle. Add to this the fact that most felines aren’t too keen on pet parents invading their personal space and it can be downright impossible to discern an illness… Read More

Reviewed for accuracy on April 14, 2020 by Sarah Wallace, DVM Respiratory issues in cats are common, and the symptoms are usually noticeable. However feline upper respiratory infections (URI’s) can be a little more serious. URIs are typically diagnosed with a physical exam and/or radiographs, and then treated with supportive care and often, antibiotics. If your… Read More

Just like humans, cats and dogs can suffer from a variety of allergies, including environmental, seasonal, and food allergies. Allergy Symptoms Pet allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to a substance or particles in the air, and you can see a broad spectrum of symptoms: Food allergies tend to show themselves with vomiting,… Read More

Common skin conditions in cats can range from coat issues to itchy rashes. The symptoms include scratching and over-grooming, as well as patchy spots and dry, flaky skin. While some irritations can be caused by infections, other skin conditions are caused by pests or allergies. Check in with your vet upon the onset of symptoms… Read More

Reviewed for accuracy on March 18, 2020 by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM Heart disease is seen frequently among cats, especially those that are geriatric. Congestive heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and heart murmurs are the most common cardiac conditions present in our feline patients. Less commonly, dilated cardiomyopathies can also be present. Recognizing the clinical signs of… Read More

Lyme disease prevention is important in humans, but did you know pets can get it too? Both cats and dogs can contract Lyme disease (although in cats, it is rare). With spring showers come creepy crawlies that can pass this disease to your pet. Here’s what you need to know to keep your furry family… Read More

Our feline pets have numerous eye issues, some of which are similar to eye issues in dogs. Eye conditions can be considered an emergency in both cats and dogs: any squinting, watering, changes in appearance, or excessive blinking should prompt immediate vet attention. For cats, they often show a decreased appetite due to eye and… Read More

As a pet parent, you know when something just isn’t right, even if you can’t put your finger on it. Veterinarians have a term for this: “Ain’t Doing Right,” or ADR, and it’s a fairly common cat health condition. This term is used to describe cats that are a bit off and don’t have clear-cut… Read More